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Homemade Lemon Chicken (Chinese Style) photo

Lemon Chicken (Chinese Style)

This Lemon Chicken is a zesty delight! Tender chicken meets a sweet and tangy lemon sauce for a quick weeknight meal.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Chinese
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken:
  • 2 large boneless skinless chicken breasts
  • Salt & pepper to taste
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 3 tablespoons cornstarch for coating
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil divided
  • 1/3 cup water
  • 1/3 cup lemon juice freshly squeezed
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch for sauce thickening
For Serving:
  • chopped scallions optional
  • lemon slices optional

Equipment

  • Large skillet
  • Mixing bowl
  • Whisk
  • Meat mallet or rolling pin
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Spatula or tongs

Method
 

Instructions:
  1. Begin by placing the chicken breasts between two pieces of plastic wrap or parchment paper. Use a meat mallet or rolling pin to pound them to about 1/2 inch thickness. This ensures even cooking and tenderness. Season both sides with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
  2. In a mixing bowl, combine 3 tablespoons of cornstarch. Coat each chicken breast thoroughly, shaking off any excess. This step is crucial for achieving that crispy texture when frying.
  3. In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, carefully add the coated chicken breasts. Cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
  4. In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium. Add the water, lemon juice, lemon zest, granulated sugar, and 1 tablespoon of cornstarch. Whisk the mixture until well combined, scraping up any brown bits from the bottom of the skillet for added flavor.
  5. Once the sauce begins to thicken, return the chicken to the skillet. Coat the chicken in the sauce, allowing it to simmer for another 2-3 minutes. This step helps the chicken absorb the lemony goodness.
  6. Plate the Lemon Chicken and drizzle any remaining sauce over the top. Garnish with chopped scallions and lemon slices for a burst of color and flavor. Serve immediately with rice or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.

Notes

  • Feel free to adjust the sweetness and tanginess of the sauce to your taste.
  • For a low-carb option, serve with cauliflower rice instead of traditional rice.
  • This dish is freezer-friendly; cool completely before storing in airtight containers.